Police are investigating a serious incident that took place at approximately 01:15hrs on Sunday, on the Land of Plenty public road, Essequibo Coast.
The crash involved a motorcycle (CP 115), owned and ridden by Mark Kendall Simon, a 32-year-old labourer from Cottonfield, Essequibo Coast.
According to initial reports, Simon was travelling north along the Land of Plenty public road at an alleged high speed when he lost control of the motorcycle.
The vehicle veered off course and collided with a utility pole belonging to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) located on the western side of the road.
The impact caused Simon to fall onto the roadway, sustaining injuries. He was discovered unconscious by Anti-Crime patrol officers, who immediately transported him to the Suddie Public Hospital for medical treatment.
Upon arrival, Simon was examined by the on-duty doctor, who diagnosed him with head injuries, a fractured rib, and a fractured hip. He was subsequently admitted to the hospital for further care.
The motorcycle was recovered and taken to the Anna Regina Police Station, where it will be inspected by a licensing and certifying officer as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
A fatal accident occurred at approximately 14:15hrs on Sunday, on Houston Public Road, near Rahaman’s Park, resulting in the death of a 55-year-old motorcyclist.
The victim, identified as Brain Paul McKenzie, a resident of Corriverton, Berbice, was the owner and driver of motorcycle #CH 8290. Preliminary investigations suggest that McKenzie was travelling west along the southern carriageway of Houston Public Road at high speed. At the time of the incident, he was not wearing a helmet.
According to video footage reviewed by authorities, as McKenzie approached Rahaman’s Turn, he attempted to make a left turn at the same high speed. Unfortunately, he lost control of the motorcycle and crashed into the metal guard rail that divides the eastern and western carriageways of the road.
The force of the collision sent McKenzie hurtling into a nearby lamp-post before landing on the road. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene, and paramedics from the Ambulance Service arrived shortly thereafter. Despite their efforts, McKenzie was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. Kellman.
The body of the deceased has been transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it will undergo a post-mortem examination. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, joined President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other Cabinet members on a visit to Victory Valley, Linden on Sunday morning, where they met with residents to discuss government plans for housing expansion in the region.
Minister Croal, addressing the gathered crowd, shared exciting news for the area, revealing that 11 new housing developments in Region 10 are set to be regularised and developed within the first half of this year.
Croal expressed strong confidence in the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Guyanese, irrespective of their background or political affiliation and underscored the unified approach taken by President Ali and his team.
“There is one thing our President has charged us to do, and that is to work hard every single day to make the lives of the people of Guyana better,” said Croal, drawing attention to the inclusive nature of their governance.
Highlighting the achievements under the current administration, Croal lauded the success of “Operation Cleanup,” a campaign spearheaded by President Ali, aimed not only at cleaning up public spaces but also at securing legal ownership for land occupants.
“We are working diligently to ensure people have ownership of the land they occupy,” said the minister, adding that the initiative is helping to formalise settlements across the region.
In particular, Croal pointed to the progress made in areas like New Hope and Blueberry Hill.
“In 2024 alone, over 750 individuals in Region 10 have received land titles, a clear demonstration of our administration’s commitment to providing land and proper infrastructure for Guyanese,” he stated.
The minister didn’t miss the opportunity to contrast the current government’s performance with that of the previous administration. He noted that, in the five years between 2015 and 2020, fewer than 300 land allocations were made in Region 10, with no areas being regularised.
“In just four years, this government has allocated over 1,600 lots, proving our dedication to the people of Linden,” he asserted.
This year, the government’s ambitious plan includes regularising 11 areas in Region 10, including prominent locations such as Siberian, Silver Hill, New Hope, and Green Valley. Croal assured the public that this number could increase, as President Ali continues to prioritise housing development. “These 11 areas are just the minimum. The President might give us more work,” Croal quipped.
One of the key aspects of the housing development initiative is the improvement of basic infrastructure, including water supply. Croal proudly stated that Region 10 now enjoys 100% access to treated water, a notable achievement for the region.
Alors que le monde tente de tourner la page de la pandémie de Covid-19, une nouvelle alerte sanitaire attire l’attention internationale. En Chine, une recrudescence du métapneumovirus humain (HMPV) suscite des inquiétudes, en particulier dans un contexte hivernal propice aux infections respiratoires. Les images d’hôpitaux bondés et de patients masqués rappellent, pour certains, les débuts de la pandémie de Covid-19. Mais quelle est la gravité de la situation ? Voici une analyse détaillée pour mieux comprendre.
Identifié pour la première fois en 2001, le HMPV est un virus respiratoire qui affecte les voies respiratoires supérieures et inférieures. Les symptômes incluent la toux, la fièvre, la congestion nasale et parfois des essoufflements. Si, chez la plupart des individus, ces symptômes restent bénins et similaires à un simple rhume ou à la grippe, les personnes vulnérables – jeunes enfants, personnes âgées et immunodéprimées – peuvent développer des complications graves comme la bronchite ou la pneumonie.
On pourrait comparer le HMPV à une étincelle dans une maison : souvent inoffensive, mais pouvant provoquer un incendie si elle trouve un terrain favorable. Dans ce cas, les terrains favorables sont des organismes affaiblis ou des environnements surpeuplés en hiver.
En Chine, les infections respiratoires atteignent traditionnellement leur pic pendant la saison hivernale. Les autorités chinoises, conscientes des inquiétudes, ont cherché à rassurer. Mao Ning, porte-parole du ministère chinois des Affaires étrangères, a affirmé que la situation est sous contrôle, insistant sur le fait qu’il reste sûr de voyager en Chine.
Cependant, les réseaux sociaux montrent une autre réalité : des hôpitaux surchargés et des patients masqués, des images rappelant les débuts de la pandémie de Covid-19. Bien que Pékin n’ait pas déclaré d’état d’urgence, les autorités surveillent de près la situation, et les pays voisins comme Hong Kong ont également signalé quelques cas de HMPV.
Dr Atul Goel
Le Dr Atul Goel, de la Direction générale des services de santé en Inde, a appelé à la prudence sans céder à la panique. Selon lui, le HMPV n’est pas fondamentalement différent des autres virus respiratoires. Il provoque des symptômes similaires à ceux d’un rhume ou de la grippe et, bien que des cas graves puissent survenir, les données actuelles n’indiquent pas une augmentation substantielle des infections à l’échelle mondiale.
À ce jour, l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) n’a pas émis de déclaration spécifique sur le HMPV, et aucun état d’urgence n’a été proclamé. Cela montre que, bien que la situation mérite une attention particulière, elle ne semble pas menacer une crise sanitaire mondiale.
Le HMPV, comme d’autres virus respiratoires, ne bénéficie d’aucun traitement antiviral spécifique. La prise en charge repose principalement sur des soins de soutien pour soulager les symptômes. Cependant, des mesures préventives simples peuvent réduire considérablement les risques de transmission :
• Se laver régulièrement les mains avec de l’eau et du savon ou des solutions hydroalcooliques ;
• Couvrir la bouche et le nez en toussant ou en éternuant ;
• Éviter les contacts rapprochés avec des personnes malades, en particulier dans les lieux bondés ;
• Porter un masque dans les environnements à haut risque, comme les hôpitaux ou les transports en commun.
Pour Haïti, où les infrastructures sanitaires sont souvent fragiles, ces précautions doivent être considérées comme des priorités. À l’image d’une digue protégeant un village contre une crue, ces gestes simples peuvent prévenir des crises majeures.
Haïti, bien que géographiquement éloignée de la Chine, n’est pas à l’abri des épidémies respiratoires. La pandémie de Covid-19 a montré que les virus ne respectent pas les frontières et que les systèmes de santé doivent se préparer en amont. La recrudescence du HMPV en Chine rappelle l’importance d’une surveillance continue des maladies émergentes.
Si les autorités chinoises et internationales semblent maîtriser la situation, il est tres impotant de tirer des leçons du passé. Une fois encore, la santé publique montre que la prévention et la préparation sont les meilleurs outils pour éviter les crises.
La recrudescence du HMPV en Chine est un signal d’alarme, mais pas une cause de panique. Elle illustre la nécessité d’une vigilance accrue face aux maladies infectieuses, en Chine comme en Haïti. En adoptant des mesures simples et en restant informés, les populations peuvent minimiser les risques.
À l’image d’un voyageur prudent qui s’équipe d’un parapluie en cas de pluie, il vaut mieux être préparé que surpris. En matière de santé publique, mieux vaut prévenir que guérir.
Pour rester informé en temps réel sur les dernières nouvelles, analyses et alertes sanitaires, abonnez-vous dès maintenant à notre chaîne WhatsApp officielle de Radio Télévision Caraïbes. Restez connectés avec l’actualité qui vous concerne directement. Cliquez ici pour rejoindre : RTVC
Le norovirus, virus hautement contagieux, connaît une recrudescence inquiétante aux États-Unis, avec un nombre inhabituellement élevé d’épidémies signalées au cours des dernières semaines. Selon les Centres pour le contrôle et la prévention des maladies (CDC), 91 épidémies suspectées ou confirmées ont été enregistrées dans la première semaine de décembre, un chiffre bien supérieur à celui des années précédentes, y compris avant la pandémie de Covid-19.
Le norovirus, surnommé « virus du vomi d’hiver », est responsable de millions de cas de gastro-entérite aiguë chaque année. Il provoque des symptômes soudains et désagréables, notamment des vomissements explosifs, des diarrhées, des nausées et des douleurs abdominales. Si ces symptômes sont souvent temporaires, ils peuvent conduire à une déshydratation sévère, particulièrement chez les enfants, les personnes âgées et les individus immunodéprimés.
En décembre, une épidémie notable a touché au moins 80 personnes lors d’un événement à Los Angeles, après la consommation d’huîtres crues contaminées. Ces huîtres, importées de Colombie-Britannique (Canada), avaient été distribuées dans 14 États et à Washington D.C. avant d’être rappelées. D’autres rappels récents liés au norovirus ont impliqué des baies fraîches et surgelées, soulignant les dangers liés à la contamination alimentaire.
Deux caractéristiques rendent le norovirus particulièrement redoutable : sa facilité de transmission et sa résistance exceptionnelle. Il peut se propager par contact direct avec une personne infectée, par la consommation de nourriture ou d’eau contaminée, ou encore par contact avec des surfaces souillées.
Le norovirus peut survivre pendant des jours, voire des semaines, sur des surfaces inanimées, augmentant ainsi les risques de propagation dans des lieux clos comme les écoles, les maisons de retraite ou les navires de croisière. Des exemples troublants illustrent sa capacité de contamination. Dans un cas signalé au Tennessee, un membre d’un club de cartes a vomi dans un parking ; peu après, tous les participants au même jeu ont été infectés, et le virus a été retrouvé sur les cartes utilisées.
Les coquillages tels que les huîtres et les moules, qui filtrent l’eau pour se nourrir, sont souvent à l’origine des épidémies de norovirus lorsqu’ils sont consommés crus ou mal cuits. Les systèmes d’irrigation contaminés par des eaux usées non traitées constituent également une voie importante de transmission.
La prévention repose sur une hygiène rigoureuse, en particulier :
• Se laver les mains fréquemment avec de l’eau et du savon pendant au moins 20 secondes, surtout après être allé aux toilettes ou avant de manipuler des aliments. Les désinfectants à base d’alcool sont peu efficaces contre le norovirus.
• Cuire les aliments à des températures appropriées, notamment les huîtres et autres coquillages, qui doivent atteindre une température interne de 145 °F (63 °C).
• Laver soigneusement les fruits, légumes et surfaces de préparation des aliments.
• Éviter tout contact avec les personnes infectées. Les personnes malades ne devraient pas manipuler ou préparer de la nourriture avant au moins deux jours après la disparition des symptômes.
Les CDC recommandent également de laver les draps et vêtements souillés avec du détergent sur le cycle le plus long et de les sécher à haute température pour éliminer toute trace du virus.
Le norovirus se distingue par un début rapide et brutal des symptômes, notamment des vomissements soudains, souvent accompagnés de diarrhée. Bien qu’aucun traitement antiviral ne soit disponible, la maladie se résorbe généralement en quelques jours avec une hydratation adéquate.
Les jeunes enfants, les personnes âgées et les individus immunodéprimés sont les plus vulnérables, car ils risquent davantage une déshydratation sévère, nécessitant parfois une hospitalisation pour administration de fluides intraveineux.
Le norovirus, souvent sous-estimé, illustre les défis posés par les maladies infectieuses dans un monde de plus en plus interconnecté. Avec des millions de personnes touchées chaque année, il est essentiel de renforcer la sensibilisation et les mesures de prévention, en particulier dans les environnements à haut risque.
Alors que les épidémies se multiplient, l’hygiène et la vigilance demeurent les meilleures armes contre cette menace invisible mais bien réelle. Haïti, à l’instar des autres nations, doit rester attentive à cette menace sanitaire et s’assurer que des protocoles adaptés soient mis en place pour limiter les risques de propagation.
Robenson Rendel, un jeune entrepreneur de 37 ans qui s’apprêtait à assister à la messe de 7h00 AM à la paroisse Notre Dame du Perpétuel Secours, a été assassiné ce dimanche 5 janvier 2025. Après le constat légal, le juge Alberic Joseph Jean a ordonné la levée du cadavre.
L’église catholique fête l’épiphanie ce premier dimanche du mois de janvier. Robenson Rendel, membre de cette paroisse également membre d’accueil, s’apprêtait à assister à cette première célébration eucharistique de l’année. Plusieurs hommes à bord de motocyclettes ont ouvert le feu sur le jeune entrepreneur après qu’il a fini de garer sa voiture sur la cour de l’église. Ayant reçu sept (7) projectiles Robenson Rendel a rendu l’âme. Les auteurs du crime ont eu le temps de s’échapper avant que des policiers n’arrivent sur les lieux.
Après le constat légal, un juge de paix a ordonné la levée du corps. Les bandits se sont retournés paisiblement dans leur fief, Robenson Rendel, lui est retourné à la poussière le jour de l’épiphanie.
The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo is pleased to announce an extension of the deadline for its inaugural essay competition to January 15, 2025.
With over 150 submissions received thus far, the extension paves the way for secondary school students in the Hinterland areas as well as those in Regions Three, Five and Six to seize this incredible opportunity and make their voices heard.
Chairman of the Guyana Energy Conference, Mr Anthony Whyte, underscored the importance of this extension, stating, “Guyana’s youths are among some of the brightest minds in the world. With this extension, we hope to attract more of our students to engage in a spirited contest of creative and innovative thinking…The ideas generated by this competition will not only enrich the national discourse on building a sustainable future, but also demonstrate that our youths can and must be active participants in the development of this nation.”
He added, “I therefore wish to encourage secondary school students nationwide to seize this opportunity and let your perspectives be heard at the most spectacular and revered conference of the region.”
Students participating in this competition will have the chance to compete for a US$10,000 scholarship, compliments of the Chairman, which can be applied to any field of study.
Notably, telecommunications giant and exclusive private sector partner on this initiative, One Communications, will also be offering a US$1,000 cash prize for first place winners in all the categories. The company will also generously provide US$500 and an iPad for second place winners in all the categories, and US$250 and a mobile phone for third place winners in all categories.
One Communications will also join the Secretariat in awarding all prizes to the winners on February 18, 2025, during Day One of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.
The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo and One Communications extend best wishes to all students during this extended grace period.
For more information about the topics, grand prizes and rules for participation, please follow this link: https://guyanaenergy.gy/post?slug=us10000-scholarship-up-for-grabs-as-guyana-energy conference-launches-inaugural-essay-competition-for-secondary-school-students.
The Ministry of Housing and Water is creating a comprehensive national housing policy to fulfill its pledge of ensuring that every Guyanese family has access to homeownership.
Collin Croal, the Minister of Housing and Water, shared this update during the ministry’s end-of-year press conference on Friday.
“This is to ensure that we can raise the level of standard of living for our people. That housing policy, as I speak, is to ensure that persons are able to have safe, affordable, and adequate housing in various communities that are serviced by the relevant infrastructure. That is what we want to achieve,” Minister Croal stated.
The Minister also disclosed that a consultant is currently drafting the new housing policy, which is expected to be submitted to the ministry next week. Following this, the policy will be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
“Once we have that approval to move onwards to the national level, it will be adopted at the parliamentary level,” he added.
The proposed housing policy will include a review of existing programs, policies, and processes currently in place through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).
Stakeholder consultations have already been conducted, with feedback and needs assessments being compiled to help shape the policy.
Additionally, the government is progressing on another crucial initiative — the Strategy for Informal Settlement Upgrading and Prevention. This strategy aims to advance regularization efforts and address squatting across the country.
The first phase of the strategy has been completed and is scheduled to be presented to Cabinet later this month. This phase involved a comprehensive analysis, with plans to pilot the strategy in Region Three before expanding it to other regions. A consultant is working alongside the ministry to finalize this policy.
Construction on the highly anticipated Demerara River Bridge has resumed following a court ruling that allowed contractors to proceed without further disruptions.
The project experienced a brief delay due to issues with personal property that prevented construction. However, the government intervened to resolve the matter legally while ensuring fair compensation for property owners.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill conducts a site visit
All compensation payments to residents along the construction path were completed by December 19, 2024, and demolition efforts commenced shortly after. By December 31, all affected property owners were relocated.
During a site visit on Tuesday, the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, thanked the judiciary for its role in resolving the issue and commended citizens for their patience and cooperation.
“By next Wednesday [January 8th, 2025] all the remaining houses that are in the path will be vacated and demolished so we will have a clear go-through,” the public works minister said.
Currently, contractors are working around the clock to clear remaining impediments and enable unhindered construction to proceed.
Although the bridge was slated to be completed by December 31, 2024, due to extenuating circumstances the completion date has been extended.
Despite delays, Minister Edghill affirmed that the toll-free bridge will be completed soon. He said that 78 per cent of the overall project has been completed and that 62 per cent of the bridge has been constructed.
Of the total 472 required girders, 121 have already been manufactured. Right girders have been placed on the West Bank and 16 on the East Bank Demerara.
A girder is a large steel beam or compound structure used for the building of bridges and large buildings.
When completed, the US $260 million project will see a 2.6-kilometre concrete crossing that will accommodate four lanes of vehicular traffic.
This landmark project will ensure enhanced connectivity and significantly ease traffic congestion.
Minister Edghill said, “The PPP/C Administration is determined to deliver this new bridge. I’m happy that we’re having the work move at a rapid pace.”
Rishabh Pant’s stunning 61 helped give India a lead of 145 runs in the final Test against Australia after an enthralling second day that saw 15 wickets fall.
The wicketkeeper-batter produced the explosive innings off just 33 deliveries after Scott Boland had put the home side in the driving seat at the start of India’s second innings.
The Australia fast bowler took three quick wickets in an inspired spell after his side had posted a first innings of 181.
Debutant Beau Webster top scored for the hosts with 57 as India took a first-innings lead of just four runs.
India captain Jasprit Bumrah walked off the field early in the afternoon session and left the ground to have an injury assessed, although he was seen returning before the close of play.
One of Boland’s victims was Virat Kohli as the India great’s final Test innings on Australian soil ended for six as the tourists finished the day on 141-6.
No holding back from Pant
Pant’s arrival at the crease came moments after Kohli had been smartly caught by Steve Smith at slip and that significant moment was quickly followed by the explosive left-hander hitting Boland over the long-on boundary for six.
He missed an attempted ramp shot completely two deliveries later but was not to be deterred and at one stage Australia captain Cummins had six fielders on the rope.
Mitchell Starc, taken for 16 by Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first over of the innings, was hit for two consecutive sixes as Pant reached a frantic 50 off only 29 deliveries, one slower than the record he set against Sri Lanka in 2022.
A swipe off Cummins through to Alex Carey brought the mayhem to an end, and Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar piloted India to stumps after Nitish Kumar Reddy had holed out to Cummins at mid-off.
Smith dropped Jadeja to deny the impressive Webster a second wicket just before the close.
While it remains to be seen whether Bumrah will bat on day three, it feels more certain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy – which Australia lead 2-1 – will be decided with plenty of time to spare.
Debutant Beau Webster topscored for Australia with 57 (Photo: Getty Images)
Webster makes mark as Boland shines
Australia’s decision to replace the out-of-form Mitchell Marsh with Webster looks an inspired one after the 31-year-old Tasmanian made an important contribution on his second day of Test cricket.
With Australia in trouble at 39-4 after Mohammed Siraj had dismissed Sam Konstas and Travis Head in the same over, Webster knuckled down with a determined innings that included six fours.
He then claimed his first Test wicket when a swipe from Shubman Gill was pouched by Carey, and should have had Jadeja as his second – but Smith could not hold on to a one-handed effort in front of Usman Khawaja at first slip.
The bowling honours for Australia went to Boland, who was an immediate threat after Starc had proved expensive.
The delivery that moved off the seam to clip Jaiswal’s off stump was a highlight for the popular 35-year-old Victorian.
If Boland and the rest of the attack can finish India off quickly on the third morning then Australia will have a good chance of winning the match and making sure of the series victory.
That said, the dramatic second day suggested making predictions is folly, and the availability of Bumrah will surely prove to be crucial. (BBC)
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill conducts a site visit</p>
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Debutant Beau Webster topscored for Australia with 57 (Photo: Getty Images)